| Taikyoku Kata: This dojo kata is an H-Pattern kata similar to those found in many karate systems. Adapted by Sensei Harrill to fit the principles found within Isshin-ryu basics, it is designed to teach the beginning karate practitioner the basics of evasive footwork and how to properly time upper body technique to that footwork. It utilizes the basic upper body basic techniques (Chart 1) and alternates with each direction change.
A good exercise for the beginning karate practitioner once they can perform this kata well, is to then try to perform this kata while starting in the opposite direction (turning to the right rather than the left in the opening technique). |
| In-Line Stance Drill: This drill, developed by Sensei Harrill, is designed to help the beginning practitioner understand how evasive stance work combines with properly timed technique.
In working this drill, the karate practitioner should be able to develop the ability to stay stong, balanced, and just out of his opponent's "striking" range ... while, at the same time, unbalancing his opponent, and him well within effective "striking" range. |
| Dachi Kata: This is not a formal Isshin-ryu kata. The Dachi kata was developed by Sensei Sherman Harrill to teach new students how to utilize their stances in conjunction with technique. It contains all the stances utilized in Isshin-ryu Karate and is made up of sections from each of the formal Isshin-ryu kata.
This kata is usually taught to new students after they have learned the basic techniques, the Taikyoku kata, and the In-Line Stance Drill. Many of the techniques in the Dachi kata are taken from "trouble spots" for students in the formal kata. Because of this, students begin working on the trouble spots of the kata they will learn later right a way. This is a big help when the student later begins to work on learning the formal kata. |
| H-Pattern Sai: This dojo kata is essentially the Taikyoku Kata performed with the sai. It was designed and incorporated by Sensei Harrill to help students develop a solid foundation in sai basics. Like the empty hand version, the lead hand is primarily executing defensive blocking techniques that closely parallel the blocks from the empty hand version.
Stepping through after the blocks, the basic punch sequence found in many classical sai kata follows. |
| H-Pattern Tuifa: Like the H-Pattern Sai Kata, this dojo kata is essentially the Taikyoku Kata, but this time performed with the tuifa. It was designed and incorporated by Sensei Harrill to help students develop a solid foundation in tuifa basics. Like the empty hand version, the lead hand is primarily executing defensive blocking techniques that closely parallel the blocks from the empty hand version.
An "inside" tuifa manipulation and "punch" are added to the finish of most blocking techniques. Stepping through after the blocks, the basic punch sequence from Hama Higa No Tuifa follows.
The second three-step series is also very similar to a section from Hama Higa No Tuifa. The last few techniques in the H-Patter Tuifa Kata do not include the punch sequence. |
| Balance Points: Sensei Sherman Harrill's Theory of Balance Points evolved as a way to teach younger students workable techniques that were "non-lethal."
It soon became very apparent to him that these techniques fit naturally into his theories on kata bunkai and, in fact, over time became inseparable from them. Understanding and applying these balance point theories to kata application gives the practitioner another great tool in developing his skills. |
| Tatsuo Shimabuku's Kumite |
| The kumite: Taken from the basic techniques and kata, these kumite were developed and taught by Master Tatsuo Shimabuku to advanced students to help them further develop their understanding of the kata.
Some would refer to them as the "Secret Scrolls of Kumite," however, they were really not a secret at all. They were actually listed on the Agena dojo wall and were simply short cryptic reminders of technique that would make no sense to the uninitiated ... that is, if you had not been taught them.
Perhaps this is why they were considered secret. |
| Seishin No Tomodachi (My Spiritual Friend) was developed by Sensei Sherman Harrill as his personal kata. It represents the culmination of some 43 years of diligent, thoughtful, and often painful Isshin-ryu karate training. This kata clearly underlines Sensei Harrill's theories of agressive self-defense. It combines his favorite techniques from Isshin-ryu Karate's 8 empty hand kata with techniques that are uniquely Sherman Harrill in nature. This is certainly not an Isshin-ryu kata. Seishin No Tomodashi is a "Harru-ryu" kata.
Sensei Sherman Harrill was always clear with his students about where his principles and techniques came from. At seminars, when asked a question about technique, he would often be heard to say "Sensei (Tatsuo Shimabuku) taught me this ... that is Isshin-ryu. Simple block, punch, kick karate." But, sometimes he would also say "However, I do this..." and that would be Harru-ryu.
It must be pointed out that it was the teachings of his Sensei Tatsuo Shimabuku, his literal translation of the Kenpo Gokui, and his "always stay a student" state of mind that allowed him to develop his skills within the Isshin-ryu framework to a point where they became uniquely
his. They became Harr-ryu. As his students work to understand the kata, Seishin No Tomodachi, they begin to understand the depth of knowledge Sensei Sherman Harrill possessed and his unique contribution to karate-do. It is certain that Tatsuo Shimabuku is very proud of his student! |
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